USC’s Maiava Ranked Among Top 10 Quarterbacks at Midseason

The No. 19 USC Trojans are 5-1 on the season, led by quarterback second-year starter Jayden Maiava. Their only loss was to No. 20 Oregon. According to Jake Crain of On3, Maiava is ranked among the top 10 quarterbacks in college football at midseason.

Through six games, Maiava has thrown for 1,744 yards and 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. Maiava is throwing for 290 yards per game and has completed 68 percent of his passes.

In addition, Maiava has posted two games with over 300 yards passing, two games in which he completed 80 percent or better on his passes, and has thrown multiple-touchdown passes five times.

Maiava will lead the Trojans into Happy Valley and the “white-out” game at Penn State on Saturday. USC will face a loud and proud home crowd that could wreak havoc on communication as the game moves along.

In addition, Maiava and the Trojans will face arguably their toughest defensive test this season in the Nittany Lions, as it relates to defending the pass.

Penn State ranks No. 3 nationally in pass defense, and has allowed opponents 119.6 passing yards per game.

Opposing quarterbacks have completed 55 percent of their passes, thrown just two touchdown passes, and have thrown five interceptions against the Penn State defensive secondary this season.

Maiava, ranked No. 10, is one of two Big Ten Conference quarterbacks to make the list. Ohio State quarterback Julian Sayin comes in at No. 9. Both quarterbacks are battling for passing supremacy in the conference.

Currently, Sayin leads the Big Ten with 306 yards passing yards per game. Maiava is behind him in second place.

However, Maiava is tied for first in the Big Ten in touchdown passes with his 15 scoring tosses. Maiava will battle Sayin on Halloween when Ohio State travels to Los Angeles to take on the Trojans.

In a press conference earlier this week, Maiava was critical of his own performance in the way-too-close 25-21 victory over Washington.

“I definitely wasn't happy with my performance,” said Maiava. “Got to play better. Definitely bring the energy. Shout out to the defense. Play their butts off out there. Awesome.”

A look at the remaining schedule for USC shows Maiava will face off against four teams in the top 30 nationally in pass defense. In addition to Penn State, the Trojans will battle No. 10 Wisconsin, No. 23 Ohio State, and No. 27 Indiana.

The injury bug has hit the USC wide receiver room hard. Corey Simms is lost for the season. Trent Mosley is still listed as questionable, as are receiver Terrell Anderson and tight end Mark Bowman. As a result, Maiava’s targets could be limited against the Nittany Lions on Saturday.